Participants randomized to this arm will consume a low carbohydrate diet as described by Dr. Robert Atkins in his book: Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution New York: Avon Books, 2002.

Behavioral: Atkins diet (low carbohydrate diet)

Active Comparator: DASH Diet

Participants randomized to this arm will consume the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet as described here: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf

Behavioral: DASH diet (high carbohydrate diet)

Detailed Description:

The number of overweight and obese Americans has increased significantly in recent years. There are now many different diet plans being promoted by doctors and the media. The Atkins diet, a low carbohydrate nutritional plan, is especially popular; its advocates claim that following the diet will result in long-term weight loss with no negative effects. Another diet, called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, is a high carbohydrate diet designed to help treat and prevent high blood pressure. However, more thorough investigation of these claims is needed. This study will compare the short- and long-term effects of the Atkins diet to the (DASH) diet. This trial will enroll overweight and obese participants.

This study will last 30 months and will comprise two phases. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Atkins or DASH diet for 30 months. During Phase 1, all participants will undergo 6 months of weekly group therapy to encourage weight loss. Phase 2 is a weight loss maintenance phase. During Phase 2, participants will have monthly meetings with a therapist for weight loss support. Study visits will occur at study entry and at Months 3 and 30. At each study visit, weight measurements, blood and urine collection, and x-rays will occur to determine participants' weight loss, cardiovascular health, kidney function, and bone density.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

21 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Body mass index (BMI) of 27 to 50

Fasting glucose less than 126 mg/dl

Total fasting cholesterol less than 260 mg/dl

Total fasting triglycerides less than 400 mg/dl

Permission of primary care provider to participate in the study

Normal liver and kidney function

Willing to modify diet and other health behaviors

Willing to use an acceptable method of contraception for the duration of the study

Cancer diagnosis within 2 years of study entry. Participants with basal cell skin cancer are not excluded.

History of psychiatric hospitalization within 2 years prior to study entry

Consumption of more than three alcoholic drinks a day

Type I or II diabetes

Current use of hypolipidemics, antipsychotics, hypoglycemics, glucocorticoids, or thyroid medication

Plan to move during study

Current participation in another clinical trial

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00200720